TDSP Meter Surcharge - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the TDSP Meter Surcharge?
The TDSP Meter Surcharge is a monthly fee of $2.21 passed on by your utility company, Oncor, in order to provide electricity customers with new, technologically-advanced electric meters (also called "smart meters"). It is a Public Utility Commission-approved fee that is passed on to you through your retail electric provider. You may also hear this fee referred to as part of the Advanced Meter System Program.
2. Are other retail electric providers charging this fee?
Yes. The fee is actually charged by Oncor, but is being passed on to you through the retail electric providers that service the Oncor territory.
3. What is this fee for?
The $2.21 monthly charge will go to provide electricity customers with new, technologically advanced electric meters. These new "smart meters" will be able to help you manage your energy use, conserve energy, and save money by providing you detailed information on your energy consumption. The "smart meters" can also help minimize the duration of power outages. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380.
4. Is this a one-time billing charge?
No, this is not a one-time billing charge. The Public Utility Commission has approved a surcharge of $2.21 which will be added to your bill each month as a monthly surcharge. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380.
5. When will the charge become effective?
Beginning with bills starting December 29, 2008, the PUCT-approved pass-through fee will be added to your bill as a monthly surcharge line item. This charge will appear for the next 11 years. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at
6. Where will I see this charge on my bill?
You will see an additional line item listed as "TDSP Meter Surcharge".
7. Has my rate changed because of it?
The average monthly price per kilowatt-hour as shown on your bill as well the Electricity Facts Label for your specific plan, include all monthly recurring charges. These have changed slightly because this monthly charge has been rolled into the rate. Your energy charge, however, has not changed.
8. I'm on a price-protected plan, so I thought my rate could not change.
With a price-protected plan, the only circumstance in which your price can change is with a change in law or regulatory charges. This means that if the Texas legislature or the Public Utility Commission approves a charge, the retail electric providers in that area can pass on that fee to you, and as a result, the charge can change your rate. The TDSP meter surcharge is an example of a regulatory charge that Oncor is passing on to you through your retail electric provider.
9. How will the AMS Technology (or "smart meters") benefit me?
With the "smart meters", your local poles and wires company can have an ongoing picture of the electric system, which will help them identify trouble spots, which helps to minimize the duration of power outages. Also, these new meters will be able to provide detailed information on your energy consumption through in-home display devices or even using your computer. You will be able to use that information to better manage your electricity usage to save money and help the environment. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380.
10.When will we have this AMS Technology (or smart meters)?
The AMS program will provide electric customers with new, technologically-advanced electric meters over a period of four years. Oncor will start installing the meters at the end of 2008 and continue until completed in 2012. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380.
11. Will someone still come and read my meter once my "smart meter" is installed?
Although the advanced AMS technology allows for remote meter readings, Oncor will read AMS meters for 2-3 months after they are installed to ensure that readings recorded remotely are the same as those recorded at the meter. After Oncor is satisfied that the meters are recording correctly, the meter will no longer be read by a meter person. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380.
12. I'm currently on your low-income assistance program -- will I still have to pay the TDSP Meter Surcharge?
At this time, all customers will receive this charge. The $2.21 monthly charge will not be waived for any residential customer class. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380.
13. What if I don't want a smart meter?
The "smart meters" are an upgrade to replace the old technology. The Public Utility Commission has not provided a way for customers to opt out of the "smart meter" program. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380.
14. Why am I charged the fee if I don't even have the technology yet?
The $2.21 monthly charge helps to cover the cost of the advanced meter, communications and support systems, low-income assistance and customer education programs associated with the initiative. If you have other questions about this pass-through fee, or about the "smart meters" and Advanced Meter System program, please contact Oncor at 1-800-518-2380.
